At Laark Productions we believe in producing plays that are appealing and understandable for an audience that values live theatrical performance. Our approach to the text is shamelessly traditional and unpretentious, which often results in uniquely fresh interpretations. Our productions are created for a variety of open-air venues and use the natural and architectural elements of those spaces to add dimension and vigor to the staging.
Most of our productions are appropriate for Middle School ages and up. Theater helps young audiences and performers understand the place of the arts in human communication. Stories have always been used to communicate basic truths to young people. We do not believe that theater should be used as a tool of indoctrination, or that families should be charged fees for the privilege of having their children take part in theatrical productions. Where young people are employed in Laark productions we look on them as apprentices engaged in the process of learning the theater craft.
Theater Ministry is a means to engage participants in a multi-sensory treatment of their Christian experience: it allows participants and audience to see, touch and experience the message of the Gospel. For us, theater production and performance is a celebration of our connection to the Ultimate Creator and a way for us to share our love of Him with our audience and fellow artists.
Historical Theater is a tool to educate the audience about historical facts in an engaging and entertaining way. The goal of historical performance should be to truthfully explore the past through the characters of the people who lived it. Historical theater is a creative way to help both performers and audience better understand and appreciate the lives, customs, and human struggles of earlier generations and to be reminded: "The more things change, the more they stay the same."
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" Highlands Center for Natural History, 2014
Shakespeare never loses his appeal. His stories continue to resonate and his characters amuse. Laark Productions produces Shakespeare in association with our non profit partners: The Highlands Center for Natural History, Yavapai Community College, Clarkdale, and Arcosanti.